He did not argue about anything. He was ROBBED AND ASSAULTED........................And he was not shoeless when he got in they even robbed his shoes...........................
- Thread starter DR fan1990
- Start date
Punta Cana to Santo Domingo: which bus station
It was the other passengers that robbed him I assume the driver was in on it..This happened between Montellano and Puerto Plata. Maybe it was a bootleg Publico I don't know. Only 3 other passengers.
The only concern I ever had on guaguas was that I would miss something in Spanish for transfer, time, etc. and Parque Enriquillo at night. I’ve traveled on them all over the island and never had any trouble. I didn’t use them for financial reasons, just because I liked the adventure and couldn’t stand driving in cities.
Públicos are a cheap, fast, and easy way to get around. Fun for me is not being crammed into a 1993 Corolla and 5 other people in tropical heat.
Públicos are a cheap, fast, and easy way to get around. Fun for me is not being crammed into a 1993 Corolla and 5 other people in tropical heat.
Isn’t it nice that we are all showing we have different opinions and experiences without anyone being rude or telling other people to shut up. Well done DR1 community. Things have changed since AlterEgo intervened, and changed for the better.
I’m still way too much of a princess to get in a guagua or on the back of a moto, just saying…
I’m still way too much of a princess to get in a guagua or on the back of a moto, just saying…
Sorry to ask u a basic questions, but is a publico and guagua the same thing?
But I also enjoy the guagua experience for what it is. It's a different culture and I believe I'm richer for experiencing it. I did taptaps in Haiti and rode buses with goats. It helps you appreciate what you've got.
Guguas are the small mini bus type of transport going many different harder to get to routes. A Publico is basically a broken down taxi with a cracked windshield stopping along a certain route for anyone or anybody along the way.
The last one my son took had a hole in the floor and he could see the pavement below, said he felt like Fred Flintstone.
However, we’ve noticed a lot of the worse publicos have gone in Santo Domingo, and many decent looking newer models have taken their place. Unfortunately, same drivers in them, pulling out indiscriminately. It’s a wonder there aren’t crashes every 5 minutes.
I've taken those both in Haiti and the DR. I actually find it amusing when I think of what a US car safety inspector would say.
The range for guaguas is quite varied. You have the huge air conditioned buses run by Metro and Caribe that go rapid direct from place to place.
Then you have the opposite extreme and the more common beat up old buses that are meant for about 7 passengers. They often meander along and stop for every person on the side of the road until they have 15 people inside. The ticket guy hangs out the door which does not close or does not exist.
Most of my experience is somewhere in between on the 2-3 to a seat, air conditioned ones with maybe 5-6 rows. They might make one stop but typically go direct to your destination. They will have a crucifix graphic with some sort of reference a Dios. Depending on the driver, they blast music, most often gospel.
The first time I ever rode one was between Samana and Las Galleras complete with an elderly gentleman holding 3 live chickens tied together by the legs. Some of them are definitely not for anyone with an aversion to the local, every day life. Others are no different than buses I’ve taken in the UK.
The next was sitting on the passenger side from Samana to Kite Beach with full view of the coast the entire way. I’ve since driven that highway but there’s something about the guaguas that makes the adventure a little more immersive.
There is guagua etiquette where everyone gives up their seat for the elderly, for women with children, or pregnant women.
More unwritten rules too but perhaps better suited for dedicated thread.
Junk yard/ scrap. I’ve been on them in SD where the seat is so worn out you sit on a piece of foam instead of the springs.
I see trust is out the window here. You're saying a fellow passenger with luggage is a potential mugger?
He was talking about going from an airport yes? So they maight have some.
Then again ... I may have mised something. But since we're on the subject.
Was thinking of skying in to POP to check out something in Sousa. But I could save $200 US if I go to STI.
Now what does one do in STI at 2 am waiting for a guagua?
To get to a guagua at STI you would literally have to travel about 3 or more KM to get to the hwy. With your luggage of course. No guaguas come into the airport. Forget this idea.
However you can take a taxi to either Caribe Tour or Metro, both on the same street in Santiago. And from there you can get a comfortable bus to SD.
However you can take a taxi to either Caribe Tour or Metro, both on the same street in Santiago. And from there you can get a comfortable bus to SD.